Another flashback to simpler, or at least more blissfully ignorant, days. Even in a world of nanomachines, is it possible to predict an entire world war's consequences with a computer simulator? Would it be right for an army of 100 Wirecats (later Wyrecats) to take control of the world from the less-than-stellar leaders it has? --And was Lamar right back then when he says that no casualties are acceptable, or is he right now that he's formed a private army to fight back against the Pinschers?

It's def reasonable of them to ponder the existence of the weaponry they've concocted themselves. While it may fit the dream of heroics, it can be used for definite devastation. Makes you think about what's to come when they get to Lamar. Considering there'll be Wyrecats on both sides of a fight now. Did Bryce figure that into his calculations?

Are Pinschers top notch, like Wyrecat quality? And it sounds like Lamar was worried this tech would end up in the wrong hands (although the Pinschers don't look particularly bad yet?) so maybe he's doing a checks and balances thing...

Oh, Lamar, you remind me of when I believed in things. One CIVILIAN casualty is too many. Soldiers sign up knowing full well that they may be sacrificed for whatever purpose suits their superiors.
And computer simulators are nice, but no substitute for the real thing. Events have a way of going in unexpected directions.
And if you made a hundred Wyrecats, that's a lot more chances to have the tech fall into the wrong hands.
Of course, Bryce is just playing with numbers, right? He couldn't possibly be serious, right?
Right?
Love Mela with the drink, and the switch on the table. Nice touches.